Program Requirements

Program Overview

The goal of the Andrews ISD Teacher Academy is to develop effective teachers for classrooms in Andrews ISD. The Alternative Certification Program was added to develop teachers not only in our district but to also help develop teachers in under-staffed rural districts in the Permian Basin and across West Texas. The Alternative Certification Program has five main phases.

1. Application

The first step is to submit your application and work with program staff to ensure all required forms and documents have been received. Email altcert@andrews.esc18.net if you have questions.

2. Acceptance

Once you have applied, you will be notified if you are formally accepted into the program. Please note that you must accept the offer of admission to be admitted into the program. This phase includes signing all required forms.

3. Coursework, Observations, and Content Requirements

You will take required pre-service courses, complete field-based observation hours, and take your content TExES exams.

4. Internship

Once you have completed the requirements of Phase 3, you will start your Internship. This is a year-long commitment where you will be coached and observed by a Mentor and Field Supervisor. You will also complete your final course and take the Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities TExES exam. You must complete all requirements for your Internship to be recommended for a Standard Certificate by your Site and Field Supervisors.

5. Standard Certificate

Congratulations! You are a fully certified teacher!

Cost of Attendance

The cost to complete the program for one candidate is $4,400 for EC-6 candidates and $4,200 for 7-12 candidates.

The cost breakdown is:

Enrollment Fee: $50 

Course Fee: $200/Course ($1,600 for EC-6 and $1,400 for 7-12)

Internship: $2,750

Candidates will pay the enrollment fee upon starting the program. Course fees and the internship fee can be paid in two payments: course fees ($1,600/$1,400) at the beginning of courses and internship fee ($2,750) at the beginning of the internship, or they can be paid $400 monthly (starting with the first course) until the program is paid in full.

Completion Requirements

Program completion will be signified by the candidate being awarded a Standard Certificate. To meet these requirements, candidates must complete the following:

• Pass 7 or 8 Required Courses with a 75 or Higher

• Complete 50 Field-Based Experience Observation Hours

• Pass Content TExES Exam(s)

• Complete all Internship Requirements - 1 year

• Pass PPR Course and PPR TExES Exam

• Apply for Standard Certificate

• Receive recommendation for Standard Certificate from Site Supervisor and Field Supervisor

Candidates will receive a program checklist and course Scope and Sequence to help them keep track of their progress.